On the Social Contract Reading Group

Arts @ Renaissance, 2 Kingsland Ave., Brooklyn, NY (Garden Level)

Tuesdays February 7, February 21, and February 28 Starting at 6-7pm, and going for a few hours. Hosted by Mary Billyou Reading Group : On the Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau “Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains” – these are the famous opening words of the treatise by Jean-Jacques Rousseau that helped inspire the writing of the United States Constitution. Rejecting the view that anyone has a natural right to wield authority over others, Rousseau argues instead for a pact, or 'social contract', that should exist between all the citizens of a state and that should be the source of sovereign power. During these three meetings, we will read sections and discuss "On the Social Contract," by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Collective reading allows for the ability to enter into difficult texts that might not be as easily accessible on an individual reader's level. Reading Schedule Feb 7: Book I (entire) Feb 21: Book II + Book III (entire) Feb 28: Book IV (entire) Organized as part of the exhibit, Hospitality.